MadSci Network: Engineering
Query:

Re: how does a paintball gun work, co2?

Date: Wed Jan 17 16:51:08 2001
Posted By: Greg Culler, Staff, Mechanical Engineer, Industry
Area of science: Engineering
ID: 978615914.Eg
Message:

Hi Kevin

Paint ball guns operate in a similar fashion as CO2 pellet guns.  
Compressed gas is released from a reservoir to accelerate a projectile 
down the barrel. Most of the guns that I am familiar with are CO2 powered, 
but there are some on the market now that have a built in pump to provide 
power similar to the pump up BB guns and pellet rifles.

The release of the gas is typically accomplished through the use of a 
spring loaded poppet valve.  On cocking, a small amount of gas is bled 
from the reservoir into an expansion chamber near the projectile.  The 
passage between the chamber and the projectile is blocked by the poppet.  
The default condition of the poppet valve is open.  This valve is held 
closed by the trigger mechanism.  When the trigger is pulled, the gas in 
the chamber is released and the projectile is forced out of the barrel.  
At least this is how the ones I've looked at work.

Greg


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